The Edge of Barine

Scleral Council

The Scleral Council is the primary governing body of the people of the Ring of Barine. The council is comprised of a single representative from each of the eight primary races that remain: Dwarven, Elven (and all Elf-kin),Human, Halfling, Dragonborn, Goliath, Minotaur, and Gnomish. The Gnomes have never participated on the council, though they technically have a seat (and a vote), because they disagree with the ideal of governance; for this reason the rebuilt council chamber only included seven stone thrones, an oversight during construction because many had forgotten that the gnomes technically have a representative; there is currently a very nice wooden (and empty) chair sitting next to the stone thrones, should the gnomish representative ever show up. In addition to the voting members of the council, there is also the position of Council Advisor, which is typically held by the High Cleric of the Order of Beli’avari.

The council mainly handles mundane issues, such as property disputes and other legal matters. They hold a tedious full-day open session once a week where the population can come to air their grievances. Because the council effectively has seven voting members, most disputes can be handled by a simple majority vote. A different representative is designated as Council Chair for each of the first seven of the eight equinoxes; their primary responsibility is to set the direction of the council and maintain order. For the duration of the final eighth equinox the chair position remains empty, ceremoniously giving the position to nature in a misguided attempt to include the will of the gnomes; very little governing work is accomplished during this equinox.